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Onondaga County legislator Rich McCarron has announced his candidacy for the New York State Senate, aiming to unseat incumbent Democrat Rachel May in the 48th District. McCarron, 54, who has served in the Onondaga County Legislature since 2023, launched his campaign on Monday (January 5) at Fingerlakes Mall in Auburn. He will not seek re-election for his current position.
McCarron, a Republican, has a background in law enforcement, having served over 20 years as an Onondaga County sheriff’s deputy. He believes his experience in public safety will allow him to make a significant impact at the state level. McCarron opposes several criminal justice reforms enacted by the Democratic-controlled state government, including bail reform, the HALT Act, and the Raise the Age Act. He has stated his intention to repeal or amend these laws if elected.
The 48th Senate District includes parts of Onondaga County and all of Cayuga County. McCarron faces a challenging race against May, a four-term incumbent, in a district with a Democratic enrollment advantage. Despite this, McCarron remains optimistic, emphasizing his commitment to making Central New York safer and more affordable. He also supports Republican initiatives to incentivize child care, provide property tax relief for seniors, and promote affordable housing development.
McCarron's campaign will focus on balancing government policies and addressing issues such as public safety, housing, and affordability. He describes himself as a "middle to right-of-center" Republican who values compromise and common-sense policies. His candidacy marks the second Republican bid for state office following the recent Democratic majority win in the Onondaga County Legislature.